Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi skipped a televised debate on NHK scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, citing a hand injury sustained during campaign activities [1]. Takaichi explained on her X account that she injured her hand after enthusiastically shaking hands with a supporter, causing swelling due to her chronic rheumatoid arthritis. "When I shook hands with a person who supports me enthusiastically, my hand was pulled hard and I hurt it," she said [1].
The debate was part of the campaign ahead of Japan's House of Representatives election set for February 8, 2026 [1]. Despite missing the debate, Takaichi continued to appear on the campaign trail [1].
The injury sparked criticism from opposition politicians. Akiko Oishi of Reiwa Shinsengumi accused Takaichi of using the injury as an excuse to avoid addressing the Unification Church scandal. "Takaichi was offering an 'excuse' for 'skipping' Sunday's discussion while still going on a campaign tour, her nerve is off the charts. She must explain herself to the public before election day," Oishi said [1].
Takaichi’s name appears 32 times in documents related to the controversial Unification Church issue, which involves political influence and fundraising irregularities [1]. The church’s affiliates reportedly spent about 100,000 yen (approximately $653) on fundraising tickets linked to the Liberal Democratic Party [1].
The House of Representatives election is scheduled for February 8, 2026, marking the deadline for Takaichi to address the controversy publicly [1].
